To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
Ayn RandRead
That which is not worth contemplating in life, is not worth recreating in art.
Interpretation
Art should reflect what is significant and meaningful in life.
This quote by Ayn Rand emphasizes the idea that art must be a reflection of profound truths and significant experiences in life. If a concept or experience is not worthy of deep thought or contemplation, then it does not have enough value to be represented in any artistic form, suggesting that genuine art emerges from the essence of meaningful human experiences.
In practice
In a lecture about the importance of art in society, this quote can highlight the relationship between life experiences and artistic expression.
To say 'I love you' one must first be able to say the 'I.'
The difference between animals and humans is that animals change themselves for the environment, but humans change the environment for themselves.
It is my eyes which see, and the sight of my eyes grants beauty to the earth. It is my ears which hear, and the hearing of my ears gives its song to the world. It is my mind which thinks, and the judgement of my mind is the only searchlight that can find the truth. It is my will which chooses, and the choice of my will is the only edict I must respect.
What is the basic, the essential, the crucial principle that differentiates freedom from slavery? It is the principle of voluntary action versus physical coercion or compulsion.
One method of destroying a concept is by diluting its meaning. Observe that by ascribing rights to the unborn, i.e., the nonliving, the anti-abortionists obliterate the rights of the living.
I think that when in doubt about the truth of an issue, it's safer and in better taste to select the least numerous of the adversaries.
I have no interest in ever coming out. Iβm just trying to make the pictures look good; Iβm not into trying to make myself look good. And besides, itβs a pretty safe bet that the reality of me would be a crushing disappointment to a couple of 15-year-old kids out there.
You can't trust an artist that just makes good records.
All objects, all phases of culture are alive. They have voices. They speak of their history and interrelatedness. And they are all talking at once!
Journalism is not a precise science, it's a crude art
For me, playwriting is and has always been like making a chair. Your concerns are balance, form, timing, lights, space, music. If you don't have these essentials, you might as well be writing a theoretical essay, not a play.
In my career as a director, there's always been some point where you get halfway through it, or three-quarters, and you go: 'What is this thing all about, and why am I telling the story? Does anybody really care about seeing this?' At that time you have to say: 'OK, forget that and just go ahead.'
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